Submarine life saving and salvaging device



July 14, 1931. J. B.'FOLTZ 1,814,375

I SUBMARINE LIFE SAVING AND SALVAGING DEVICE Filed Dec. 3, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 8 1 p 8 lfiqcxr, 5

finzgo gn INVENTOR. Jesse B. FoLTzQ mum/W60.

ATTORNEYS.

' July 14, 1931. Q -r2 1,814375 SUBMARINE LIFE SAVING AND SALVAGING DEVICE I Filed Dec. 5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet -2 INVENTOR. JEJSE B. [61.72.

A TTOR NE YS.

Patented July 14, 1931 Emssn EB. romz, or SPAR-KS, Havana 1 sniamaamn LIFEVSAVIN'G ennsnnvasrne nevmn Application filed December 3, e128, s len um 323 2517.

. My invention relates to improvements in submarine life saving andsalvaging devices, and it consists in the combinations, construetio'ns and arrangements hereinafter described 15 and claimed. An object of myinvention is to provide a submarine life saving salvaging device that employs novel and automatic means li'or releasin a buoy from t'he'subinarine after the ll) latter has been submerged longer than a pre determined period, this buoy carrying air hose and automatically opening the normally closed end of the hose -when the buoy reaches the surface of the water.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the type described in which the cable connecting the buoy with the submarine acts as a guide for grappling hooks that are lowered down upon the submarine 90 where they will engage with eyelets for lifting the submarine from the bottom. v

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the type described that makes use of novel means for preventing the cable from continuing to unwind after the buoy has reached the-surface of the waten The device further contemplates the use of air pumos which would suclc air down through h'e air pipe into theinte'rior of the 11) submarine.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification, and the novel features of the device will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

85 My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the application, in which: 1

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a submarine showing my device operatively applied thereto; 1 p Figure 2 is a sectional view through the buoy;

Figure 3 is a sectional view through the air pipe valve; e p 48 Figure 4 is a detail view of the entire mechanism;

Figure?) is a schematic showing of the clecloactuated switch mechanism; and a Figure 6 is a detail view of grappling f9 hooks. i

In carrying out my invention, '1 provide afreceptacle l in a submarineindicat-ed genei ally at 2'. In the receptacle 1' mount a buoy 8 and-two reels 1 and '5: The reels are mountedupon hollow shafts 6 and 7 respectively. '5 A11 air pipe 8 is wrapped aroun-d 'tlie re'el 4 and has one'endconnectedto the buoy 3 in a mannerhereinafter described, while its other end communicates with the bore of the shaft A cable 9 is disposed on the reel 5 and has one endconnected thereto. The other end is secured to the buoy. 1 f

, Reference to Figure shows how the air hose Sextends'through a partition 10 in the buoy 3. "A valve indicated generally at 11 (see Figure 3) i-scomposedof two perforated cylinders '12 and 13', the cylinder 13 being mounted within the cylinder 12. The cylinder '13 is fixed to th to of the air hose '8, while the, cylinder 12 sliEles 'on the cylinder 13 and on the air hose. 'A spring 14 urges the cyli'nd-er12 upwardly with respect to the cylinder '13. The cylinder 12 has openings 15therein, and the cylinder 13 openings 16.

Thespringl l is normallyvheld partially compressed between the cylinder 12 and the partition 1'0. A spring-pressed pin 'l7jloc ks the iJ-KOCYllIIClGIS in the position shown in Figure 3; "The openings 15 and 1-6 are not in alignment whenthie cylinders are in this 30 position", and therefore the to of the hose 8 is sealed, In order to align the opening 15 with the opening 16 'it is necessary to move the cylinder 12 downwardly a slight distance to free the pin 17 from the fork 18 carried by the cylinder 13. The pin 17, once released, is moved against the wall of the cylinder 12 and permits the spring 14c to move the open ings into alignment witheach other. The initial downward movement of the cylinder 12 is caused bythe -'cabl-e 9;pulling downwardly upon an arm '19, this arm in turn bearing against a. fulcrum point 20 on the cylinder 12 (see Figure 2);

The reason for the cable 9 pulling down wardly is for the fact that the buoy 3 is being urged upwardly as it rises to the surface and pulls upon the cable. *Thiskeeps the arm .19 depressed and preventsthe spring 14 from aligning the openings 15 and 16. The valve W1 11 therefore remains closed until the tension is partly relieved upon the cable 9, as when the buoy reaches the surface. A set screw 21 limits the upward movement of the arm 19.

The means for releasing the buoy will now be described. WVhen the submarine submerges, water flows past the buoy 3 and through a groove 22 (see Figure 4) and into a cylinder 23 disposed at the bottom of the receptacle 1. As the submarine continues to go down, the pressure of water within the cylinder 23 increases, and this water moves a piston 24 mounted within the cylinder against the tension of a spring 25. The piston rod 26 contacts with a' release trigger 27 (see Fig. 5.) when the submarine reaches a predetermined depth. The trigger when released permits a clock mechanism indicated generally by the sprocket 28 to start functioning and to move a contact terminal 29 toward a fixed terminal 30. The purpose of the clock is to permit the submarine to submerge whenever desired without releasing the buoy 3. If the submarine stays submerged longer than a predetermined time, the buoy is released. The time period can be regulated.

As soon as the time period has expired, the contacts 29 and 30 touch each other and close a circuit through a motor 31 (see Figure 4). I show the source of current at 32, and I also show a switch at 33 in series with the circuit. The. motor in actuating removes a buoy-retaining pin 34, the connection between the motor and the pin being accomplished by a train of gears 35 and a link 36. As soon as the pin 34 is removed, a trip 37 carried by one of the gears 35 swings the pivotal arm of the switch 33 away from the stationary contact and opens the circuit to the motor 31, whereupon the motor will cease functioning.

The released buoy will now surge upwardly, carrying with it the air hose 8 and the cable 9. The reels 4 and 5 are prevented from rotating too rapidly by a brake drum 38 (see Figure 4) anda brake shoe 39, held against the drum by a weight 40. The weight causes sufficient tension to be placed on the arm;19 to swing the arm downwardly with respect to the buoy. This moves the cylinder 12 downwardly a slight distance and frees the pin 17. The cylinder is prevented from moving upwardly until the buoy reaches the sur-' face. The weight, however, is light enough to permit the reels 4 and 5 to take afewmore Y turns after the buoy reaches the surface. This frees the great tension upon the cable .9 and permits the spring 14 to move the arm 19 upwardly (see Figures 2. and 3) to cause the openings 15 and 16 to align. The pin 17 ha been moved into inoperative position to permit the openings to align. I V I provide automatic means for preventing the reels from unwinding any more after the buoy has reached the surface and the reels have rotated through a few more revolutions The flywheel 48 is provided for causing a uniform movement to be imparted to the shaft 7. VVhen the arms 42 are received in the recesses 46 and 47, the flywheel is locked against further movement and therefore the reel 5 is prevented from further rotation.

When the openings 15 and 16 align with each other, the airhose 8-is adapted to convey air. from the atmosphere down into the shaft 6. Reference to Figure 2 shows that the top of the buoy is provided with openings 5.9 for the passage of airto the'openings 15 and 16. Deflectors 51 drain any water out through the openings 50. Should any water gain access tothe interiorof the bell, it will be drained therefrom through openings 52. The purpose of the conical-shaped partition 10 is to convey the water to the openings 52.

Suction pumps 53 (see Figure 4) are disposed. at both ends of the shaft 6 and are used for sucking air into the submarine.

A buoy of similar construction is also secured to the submarine2, and is shown generally at 54 (see Figure 1). This buoy is used for salvaging purposes. It is released in identically the same manner as the buoy 3, but only carries the cable-9and dispenses with the air hose8. This buoy 54-;f1oats on the top of the water in the same manner as the buoy 3, and the cable 9 forms a guide" for grappling hooks55 of the construct ionv shown in Figure 6. These hooks have a guide open.- ing 56 therein for receiving thecable9. The hookswhile being lowered are supported-by a cable 57, the point of suspension being such as to keep the-hook-shaped ends 58 separated. lVhen the hooks 55 reach the submarine, the

slack in' the cable 5.7 informs the. rescue party to this effect. A-liftingcable 59- lowered with the hooks 55 is now used, and as soonas this cable starts to lift it swings the arms of the books 55 toward each other and causes the hooks 58 to. enter eyelets 60 secured to'the hull of thesubmarine. The submarine may now be lifted by winding the cable 59.

In Figures 2 and 4 I show the buoy 3as being provided with a signal 61, this signal being disposed at the top of the buoy.

From the foregoing description of the various parts-of the device, the operation thereof may be readily understood.

As soon as the submarine submerges to a sufficient depth,the clock mechanism is re leased- .by means ofv the pressure-actuated plunger 26. The buoys 3 and 54, however,

are not released until the contacts 29 and 30 touch each other. This permits the submarine to cruise beneath the water without releasing the buoys.

If the submarine should stay beneath for a longer period than that designated, the buoys will be released in the manner set forth and will quickly rise to the surface of the Water. The valve 11 is held closed until the buoy 3reaches the surface, whereupon the slack fed into the cable 9 will release the arm 19 and ermit the valve to open. Sufhcient air can e pumped into the submarine to keep the occupants alive until the rescue party arrives and makes use of the salvaging device already set forth.

Although I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention, it is to be uning a releasable buoy,

derstood that the same is susceptible of various changes, and I reserve the right to employ such changes as may come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A submarine life-saving device comprisa. receptacle for the buoy, time-controlled means for freeing said buoy after said means has been set in operation for a predetermined period of time, and fluid pressure-actuated means for starting the movement of said time-controlled means and including a cylinder opening into the bottom of the receptacle, and a piston mounted in the cylinder.

2. A submarine life-saving device comprising a releasable buoy, a trigger normally securing the buoy to a submarine, electricallycontrolled means for freeing the trigger, the circuit to said means being automatically broken when said trigger is freed, a clock mechanism for closing said trigger-releasing circuit after a predetermined time period elapses, and pressure-responsive means for starting the operation of the clock mechanism when the submarine reaches a predetermined depth.

3. A submarine life-saving device comprising a releasable buoy, a cable connecting the buoy with the submarine, means for feeding out the cable at a uniform speed as the buoy rises to the surface, means for feeding enough additional cable to provide the necessary slack after the buoy reaches the surface, and automatic means for locking the cable-feeding means after the necessary slack has been given the cable. I

4. In a submarine life-saving device, a buoy, an air hose depending from said buoy, a valve normally closing said air hose, means for keeping the valve closed, an arm for moving said valve for releasing said valve closing means, and a cable connected to said arm and depending from said buoy.

5. In a submarine life-saving device, a buoy, an air hose depending therefrom, a valve for the air hose and being disposed in depth and including saidibuoy, :said buoy having openings therein for permitting air to enter said valve, means for draining water from the interior (of said aha-rm for opening said valve, and a cable connected to said arm.

6. .A-submarine life-saving device comprising a releasable'buoy, a receptacle for the buoy, a trigger normally securing the buoy to .a submarine, electrically-controlled means for freeing the trigger, a clock mechanism for closing said trigger-releasing circuit after a predetermined time, period elapses, and fluid pressure-responsive means for starting the operation of the clock mechanism when the submarine reaches a predetermined a cylinder opening into the bottomof-the receptacle, and apiston mounted in said cylinder and being operatively connected to the clock mechanism when moved. V s

7.. A submarine life-saving device com-prising a releasable buoy, a receptacle for the buoy, means normally securing the buoy to a submarine, electrically-controlled means for freeing the buoy-securing means, a clock mechanism for closing said buoy-releasing circuit after a predetermined time period elapses, and fluid pressure-responsive means for starting the operation of the clock mechanism when the submarine reaches a predee I termined depth and including a cylinder opening into the receptacle and a piston movable in the cylinder and connectisble to the clock mechanism when moved.

8. A submarine life-saving device comprising a releasable buoy, a cable connecting the buoy with the submarine, a drum for the cable, governor controlled means for feeding out the cableat a uniform speed as thebuoy rises to the surface, means for feeding enough I additional cable to provide the necessary slack after the buoy reaches the surface and cooperating means carriedby the governor and drum for locking the drum against further movement after the drum comes to rest.

9. A submarine lift-saving device comprising areleasable buoy, an air hose carried thereby, a normally closed valve for the hose, means for locking said valve in closed position, a. cable for said buoy, and connections between the cable, the valve, and the buoy, said connections freeing said valve locking means when said buoy first moves upwardly in the water after the buoy is freed, and for still holding the valve closed, said cable permitting said valve to open when the buoy reaches the surface.

10. A submarine life-saving device comprising a releasable buoy, an air hose and a cable carried thereby, a valve for the hose, means locking said valve in closed position, an arm connecting the cable with the valve, means for creating a tension on said cable, as the buoy moves upwardly to the surface of the water, whereby said valve is moved stillfurther into closed position and releases said locking means, meansfor feeding slack into the cable when the buoy reaches the top, and spring means for opening the valve when slack is fed into the cable.

11. In a. submarine life-saving device, a buoy, an air hose carried thereby, a valve for the'hose and comprising a casing covering the end of the hose and-having openings therein, and an outer casing slidable on the first casing, said outer casing having openings designed to register with the first openings when said casings are in a predetermined position.

1-2; In a submarine life-saving device, a buoy, an air hose carried thereby, a valve for the hose and comprising a casing covering the end of the hose and having openings therein, an outer casing slidable on the first casing, said outer casing having openings designed to register with 'the first openings when said casings are in a. predetermined position,'a.nd locking means i or holding said casings in closed position.

13. In a submarine lite-saving device, a buoy, an air hose carried thereby, a casing closing the top of the hose and having openings therein, a second casing slidably enclos-' ing the first and having openings, spring means for moving the second casing for bringing the openings of both casings into registration, and locking means for said casings for keeping the openings out of registration, said outer casing when'initially depressed, releasing said locking means, whereby said spring means can move said casings into operative position.

1 In a submarine life-saving device, a releasable buoy, a cable connected thereto, a reel carrying the cable, a shaft supporting the reel, a governor carried by said shaft and having weighted arms, yielding means for swinging said arms into closed position when the shaft stops rotating, and means for holding said arms and said'sha-ft against further rotation when said shaft has" once been.

brought to a stop. I a

JESSE B. FOLTZ. 

